East Yorkshire student ‘quite shocked’ to see one of his paintings on display at Ferens Art Gallery

A fine art student from East Yorkshire has admitted he was “pretty shocked” that one of his paintings was chosen to go on display at the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull.

Luke Thomas, 23, from Cottingham, has just completed his studies at the University of Lincoln. His oil painting, “The Ninth Symphony,” has been selected to be featured in the 2024 Open Exhibition, alongside over 300 other creative works, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics, textiles and films.

Luke said: “I did things when I was little, drawings and stuff, but it’s only in the last four years or so, since I left school, that I’ve started to get serious about art. Before that, I was more focused on music; I’ve had a bit of a change of direction.

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“I already participated in the Ferens Open with two smaller portraits, but I was not selected. This painting took about four months of work, as part of a university project, and oil painting is a subject that I only learned at the beginning of my studies.

“I was really shocked when I saw the email announcing that I had been selected. I went with my mother to the opening night and I will go again today with other members of my family.

“I only finished college last month. Ideally, I would like to pursue a career in art, but I know it is a very difficult thing to undertake and experience.